The essence of Buddhist doctrine is the notion that humanity is asleep and must awaken to a higher state of consciousness. The same teaching is found among the Sufis. Curiously, although hypnosis is not a state of sleep, the word derives from hypnos meaning sleep. Now that hypnosis is back in fashion — after decades of Behaviourist black box theory, which prohibited its use — it is becoming obvious that the hypnotic aspects of the brain are always in operation. Hypnosis is not a special state summoned up by a hypnotist, it is a permanently active and programable part of the brain. Modern Buddhism might consist simply of giving the individual control over the hypnotic aspects of thinking.
May 2004
